Retired midwife runs in memory of friend
A RETIRED Midwife has pledged to run 31 miles over the month of May for a Bowel Cancer charity in
memory of her friend.
Anne Hodgson from Stanhope is known around the Dale for her charity efforts for many local
causes, including the Food Bank. After her friend, Jane Malabar, passed away earlier this year from
the disease, Anne happened to see an appeal to raise funds for the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer
Research UK and decided to take part in her memory.
She said, “Jane coped admirably with all that was thrown at her, saying ‘It is what it is’ and I
admired her deeply. I wanted to do something in her memory but hadn’t quite decided what until I
saw the Run 31 in May Campaign.”
Anne was a member of the Stanhope Strollers, founded during the Covid pandemic but she hadn’t
done any running since the winter began.
“I simply lost my mojo,” Anne sighed. “But then Run 31 came on the horizon and I decided to do it
in memory of Jane while also raising money for a good cause. It was also a way to get me back into
keeping fit.”
Fuelled by the spirit of rebellious hope – of choosing to remain hopeful in the face of
overwhelming odds – the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK was set up to continue the
incredible legacy of Dame Deborah James. It raises money to fund cutting edge research into early
detection and personalised medicine, raise awareness of signs and symptoms and tackle the stigmas
around cancer with unflinching honesty so more people affected by cancer can have more time with
the people they love.
Anne found the first day very hard and after the second, she could hardly walk afterwards but
with perseverance and determination, it is becoming easier by the day for her and now she is almost
halfway there.
“I’m sure Jane is with me all the way, spurring me on as I join many other people around the
country doing the same and raising much needed funds for this important charity,” said Anne.
If you would like to donate – and every penny counts – please go to Anne’s Giving Page
